Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a form of entrepreneurship aimed at economic performance (Profit), with respect for the social side (People), within the ecological preconditions (Planet): the 3P approach.
Issues
Corporate social responsibility is about finding a balance between people, planet and profit. It often turns out that this balance leads to better results for both the company and society.
Important issues within the timber industry are, for example:
- Deforestation
- Illegal logging
- CO2 emissions
- Conditions of people who live in tropical forests or work in this sector.
How and where to start?
A lot is involved in this form of entrepreneurship. Because: how and where to start? Here are some tips and recommendations:
- Start with small steps and continue to expand your CSR policy.
- Be creative. CSR requires an innovative view of the company. Consider which themes are relevant in your industry.
- Don’t tackle CSR alone. Involve your staff, customers, neighbors and colleagues.
- Look for collaboration with parties in your industry and in the chain, make a CSR step-by-step plan and involve your employees in its implementation.
- Communicate about your CSR activities, for example on your website and in regional newspapers.
Responsible purchasing
Responsible purchasing is an important part of CSR. You can implement this step-by-step plan to achieve responsible purchasing:
- Map out your chain
- Ask questions and conduct research
- Obey local law
- Comply with international guidelines
- Conduct a risk analysis
- Collaborate
- Connect with (chain) initiatives
- Train your (purchasing) employees
- Draw up a supplier code
- Check your chain
- Report on policy and progress